Beowulf & McKay: If We Must Die
In reading Beowulf and If We Must Die, I was able to make a relation between the character Beowulf and McKay. Both men are indeed fighters and are not to fight, even under dangerous circumstances. They are both strong and courageous men who are willing to stand up to protect the lives of others. Though McKay and his people may be outnumbered while Beowulf is not even a quarter of the size of Grendel, neither will go down without a fight.
I admire both Beowulf and McKay for their bravery because they fought to secure the safety of others. Putting your own life on the line for others takes courage and must be rewarded with honor.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Assignment #1 & 2
Beowulf: Lines 1-606
I had difficulty connecting the past two supplemental readings to Beowulf, but from lines 1-606 I was able to identify a centralized theme. I felt as though whether I was reading about Beowulf or Shield Sheafson, I was learning about the importance of identity. Identity is interpreted through one's ancestors or one's individualism. In the beginning of the poem, we learn of Sheafson's family history and the importance of names; each is not presented without referring back to their family royal line.
Then, as Beowulf is presented to the Danes, he is also viewed as a noble hero because of his father. Referring back to his ancestors, has allowed the Danes to have an already established identity for Beowulf. Now, Beowulf must live up to his father's standards by battling Grendel and proving to all that he is truly a noble hero. Furthermore, with the history of his father and his own self-accomplishment, Beowulf is be able to achieve his own identity amongst the people.
I had difficulty connecting the past two supplemental readings to Beowulf, but from lines 1-606 I was able to identify a centralized theme. I felt as though whether I was reading about Beowulf or Shield Sheafson, I was learning about the importance of identity. Identity is interpreted through one's ancestors or one's individualism. In the beginning of the poem, we learn of Sheafson's family history and the importance of names; each is not presented without referring back to their family royal line.
Then, as Beowulf is presented to the Danes, he is also viewed as a noble hero because of his father. Referring back to his ancestors, has allowed the Danes to have an already established identity for Beowulf. Now, Beowulf must live up to his father's standards by battling Grendel and proving to all that he is truly a noble hero. Furthermore, with the history of his father and his own self-accomplishment, Beowulf is be able to achieve his own identity amongst the people.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Assignments #11
I was unable to get to the library to get the books on Reserve, but upon reading Books XI and XII I was having some difficulty with the passages. I did not understand the connection as to why God felt as though Adam needed to see the future. If there was no way of changing the future and everything was already predestined, then why further expose this world of sin and evil to Adam. Further, I was curious to know why Eve could not come along with Adam and Michael. Again, I see this continous pattern where women appear to be not as important as the men. Both Adam and Eve were to be the father and mother of humankind, so shouldn't Eve have a right to see what her wrong doing has brought upon Earth.
The only understanding I can take from these last two readings is the idea of repentance. Milton shows Adam all the evil that will enter the world and expresses through the archangel Michael that obedience to God is vital. This because only repentance and obedience towards God will provide humans with everlasting, glorious life in Heaven with God.
The only understanding I can take from these last two readings is the idea of repentance. Milton shows Adam all the evil that will enter the world and expresses through the archangel Michael that obedience to God is vital. This because only repentance and obedience towards God will provide humans with everlasting, glorious life in Heaven with God.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Assignment #10
"Book X and Acquainted with the Night"
Book IX presents to us the climax of Paradise Lost, while Book X presents its resolution. The Son tries to bring back order to the world by adminstering punishments for the fall. Milton elminates Satan and the other supporting characters from the rest of the poem. In doing so, the source of human temptation is taken away, allowing there to be complete focus on Adam and Eve's regret.
Both Frost and Milton use symbolism to portray lonesome feelings of isolation through the speakers. These feelings come from awful deeds performed, through which the speakers feel ashamed of. It is in Book X where Adam and Eve repent, asking God for forgivesnesss in order to redeem humankind.
Book IX presents to us the climax of Paradise Lost, while Book X presents its resolution. The Son tries to bring back order to the world by adminstering punishments for the fall. Milton elminates Satan and the other supporting characters from the rest of the poem. In doing so, the source of human temptation is taken away, allowing there to be complete focus on Adam and Eve's regret.
Both Frost and Milton use symbolism to portray lonesome feelings of isolation through the speakers. These feelings come from awful deeds performed, through which the speakers feel ashamed of. It is in Book X where Adam and Eve repent, asking God for forgivesnesss in order to redeem humankind.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Extra Credit
"Adam the while waiting desirous her return had wove of choicest flow'rs a garland to adorn her tresses and her rural labors crown as reapers oft are wont their harvest queen."
I believe that the wreath of flowers he makes for Eve is a symbol of his love for her. Then, once Eve returns to him, Adam sees that she has eaten from the Tree of Knowledge. As he drops the wreath, we can connect this to her fallen state and disobedience against God. Further, the dropping of the wreath may also show Adam falling out of pure love with her. Adam becomes disappointed in Eve as a spiritual lover and companion. As a result, Adam falls under temptation, choosing Eve over God, allowing his physical and emotional impulses to overtake.
Assignment #9
"Paradise Lost, Book IX and Blickling Homily, Easter Day"
In reading Book IX and the fall of Adam and Eve, I once again see Milton's portrayal of women as the weaker sex. After a few compliments, Eve allows the serpent to win her over. She portrays to me that she cares more about superficial things such as beauty than profound things like God's grace. Instead of attempting to repent and take full responsibility for her actions, she goes to Adam to bring him down with her. Eve wants Adam to share her suffering, thus becoming an immoral and harmful being.
Adam and Eve's fall brought death upon us, and as explained in Easter Day, it was Jesus's suffering and death that saved us. Those of us who choose to follow God's way shall live eternally with God after death. However, those you choose a path of evil shall suffer eternally in Hell.
The disobedience of Adam and Eve may have brought an evil to mankind, but because of the Son's sacrifice, we still have the chance to receive everlasting life.
In reading Book IX and the fall of Adam and Eve, I once again see Milton's portrayal of women as the weaker sex. After a few compliments, Eve allows the serpent to win her over. She portrays to me that she cares more about superficial things such as beauty than profound things like God's grace. Instead of attempting to repent and take full responsibility for her actions, she goes to Adam to bring him down with her. Eve wants Adam to share her suffering, thus becoming an immoral and harmful being.
Adam and Eve's fall brought death upon us, and as explained in Easter Day, it was Jesus's suffering and death that saved us. Those of us who choose to follow God's way shall live eternally with God after death. However, those you choose a path of evil shall suffer eternally in Hell.
The disobedience of Adam and Eve may have brought an evil to mankind, but because of the Son's sacrifice, we still have the chance to receive everlasting life.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Assignment #8
"Paradise Lost: Books VII & VII and Plato: Timaeus"
In reading books VII and VIII of Paradise Lost, I was able to make comparisons that connected them to Timaeus, as well as separate them. Comparably, each speaks about the beauty of God's creation and the good that was inteneded. As readers, we picture an elaborate image of God creating this world for mankind and grow to appreciate its beauty through each author's interpretation of Creation.
A difference I was able to distinguish between Milton and Plato was the explanation of the creation of man and woman. Milton explains in Book VIII that Eve was created from a rib of Adam while Plato had a different explanation. He tells us that females are created through weak men. When a male becomes weak, he in turn becomes a female.
Milton and Plato each had their own interpetation of Creation, as do many people in the world. What we make of these explanations, further our understanding and own interpertation of Creation
In reading books VII and VIII of Paradise Lost, I was able to make comparisons that connected them to Timaeus, as well as separate them. Comparably, each speaks about the beauty of God's creation and the good that was inteneded. As readers, we picture an elaborate image of God creating this world for mankind and grow to appreciate its beauty through each author's interpretation of Creation.
A difference I was able to distinguish between Milton and Plato was the explanation of the creation of man and woman. Milton explains in Book VIII that Eve was created from a rib of Adam while Plato had a different explanation. He tells us that females are created through weak men. When a male becomes weak, he in turn becomes a female.
Milton and Plato each had their own interpetation of Creation, as do many people in the world. What we make of these explanations, further our understanding and own interpertation of Creation
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Assignment #7
"Plato: Timaeus and Pastan: The Keeper"
This was the first assignment where I can say I had trouble understanding the dialogue or interpreting the meaning of the writing. For each piece I decided to break down the writing into separate parts and analyze what I undesrstood. In addition, I used outside sources as a reference to help me better understand what I was reading. I had trouble with close reading more for "The Keeper", but felt as though I might have found even a small connection between each. Each author presents an elaborate wrought image or account with clear narratives or dialogue. I felt as though both of the writers' included personal observation, especially in Plato's "Timaeus." Plato's account for the formation of the universe presented order and beauty in the universe that I never was aware of. Though I ran into some trouble while reading, I realize that if I have patience and break down the writing I have a better understanding and over all interpretation.
This was the first assignment where I can say I had trouble understanding the dialogue or interpreting the meaning of the writing. For each piece I decided to break down the writing into separate parts and analyze what I undesrstood. In addition, I used outside sources as a reference to help me better understand what I was reading. I had trouble with close reading more for "The Keeper", but felt as though I might have found even a small connection between each. Each author presents an elaborate wrought image or account with clear narratives or dialogue. I felt as though both of the writers' included personal observation, especially in Plato's "Timaeus." Plato's account for the formation of the universe presented order and beauty in the universe that I never was aware of. Though I ran into some trouble while reading, I realize that if I have patience and break down the writing I have a better understanding and over all interpretation.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Category Paragraph
A category I associated with Satan's description of Adam and Eve is pure. He proclaims, "The image of their glorious Maker shone." I interpreted that because Adam and Eve are made in the image and likeness of God, they are in turn pure. Satan expresses that these two creatures hold: "truth, wisdom, and sanctitude," making them pure and giving them divine beauty. I agree with his description and in reading it I can sense Satan's envy towards Adam and Eve. However, Satan is able to find beauty and purity in God's creation, regardless of his jealousy and anger towards God. I feel as though this description stands to be true because all of Satan's past speeches have been full of anger, while this speech is expressed in more of a comendable way. In my opinion, if Satan is able to find and express the good in something, then it must be something undeniably true because he is unable to express any hate towards their description.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Extra Credit
Extra credit: 1 point
In Book V, a particular phrase caught my attention. From lines 538-540, the angel Raphael proclaims, "Freely we serve because we freely love as in our will to love or not: in this we stand or fall." I believe that in this proclaimation Raphael is trying to explain that like the angels, humans choose to freely serve God because they love God. It is because of our own free will that we choose to love God. Raphael further expresses the understanding to mankind that we are not forced by God nor our own nature to serve or love Him. I have interpreted that God has given us freedom of our own will. We are not obliged to serve God, but our desire for happiness and love from God directs us toward Him. Like Raphael and the other angels, we choose to follow God by our own free will.
In Book V, a particular phrase caught my attention. From lines 538-540, the angel Raphael proclaims, "Freely we serve because we freely love as in our will to love or not: in this we stand or fall." I believe that in this proclaimation Raphael is trying to explain that like the angels, humans choose to freely serve God because they love God. It is because of our own free will that we choose to love God. Raphael further expresses the understanding to mankind that we are not forced by God nor our own nature to serve or love Him. I have interpreted that God has given us freedom of our own will. We are not obliged to serve God, but our desire for happiness and love from God directs us toward Him. Like Raphael and the other angels, we choose to follow God by our own free will.
Assignment #6
Assignment #6: Books V -VI and Pastan: Angels
In reading Book V and VI along with Pastan: Angels, I found it quite difficult to understand the pieces. I had to refer to outside sources to get an explanation of what they were about in order to better understand the writing. The only connection I could try to make between the two was the beauty of the angelic world. As described in Angels, I believe though we are at the "interface between the human and angelic" like Adam and Eve were. Angels describe the beauty of the angelic world, a place where humankind hopes to one day will in paradise with God.
In reading Book V and VI along with Pastan: Angels, I found it quite difficult to understand the pieces. I had to refer to outside sources to get an explanation of what they were about in order to better understand the writing. The only connection I could try to make between the two was the beauty of the angelic world. As described in Angels, I believe though we are at the "interface between the human and angelic" like Adam and Eve were. Angels describe the beauty of the angelic world, a place where humankind hopes to one day will in paradise with God.
Extra Credit
Extra Credit: 1/2 point
At the beginning of Book IV, Satan says a phrase in which I was able to interpret on my own.
On lines 58-61 Satan exclaims, "O had His pow'rful destiny ordained me some inferior angel!
I had stood then happy: no unbounded hope had raised ambition." When reading this statement
I feel as though Satan is proclaiming that he wished God had made him a low-ranking angel. I
came to the conclusion that Satan explains that if God haddone so then he would never felt the
need to rebel. Satan would have been content with his position and would have felt no desire to
rebel against God.
At the beginning of Book IV, Satan says a phrase in which I was able to interpret on my own.
On lines 58-61 Satan exclaims, "O had His pow'rful destiny ordained me some inferior angel!
I had stood then happy: no unbounded hope had raised ambition." When reading this statement
I feel as though Satan is proclaiming that he wished God had made him a low-ranking angel. I
came to the conclusion that Satan explains that if God haddone so then he would never felt the
need to rebel. Satan would have been content with his position and would have felt no desire to
rebel against God.
Assignment #5
Assignment #5: Book IV and Tea in the Palaz of Hoon
After reading Book IV, I chose to read the poem Tea in the Palaz of Hoon. At first, it was difficult to find a connection between the two. However, upon reading each piece a second time I discovered a connection I believed they might have in common.I am not sure of how true this connection may be, but I believe that in each piece the characters were in search of self-discovery.Adam and Eve are still on the path of discovery who they really are and their purpose while the man in Tea in the Palaz of Hoonis on a mission of self-discovery as well. Additionally, in both Book IV and Tea in the Palaz of Hoon, a subconscious mental domain was present which influenced the conscious mental life of the characters. This mental domain include the serpent for Adam and Eve, and the man's conscience.
After reading Book IV, I chose to read the poem Tea in the Palaz of Hoon. At first, it was difficult to find a connection between the two. However, upon reading each piece a second time I discovered a connection I believed they might have in common.I am not sure of how true this connection may be, but I believe that in each piece the characters were in search of self-discovery.Adam and Eve are still on the path of discovery who they really are and their purpose while the man in Tea in the Palaz of Hoonis on a mission of self-discovery as well. Additionally, in both Book IV and Tea in the Palaz of Hoon, a subconscious mental domain was present which influenced the conscious mental life of the characters. This mental domain include the serpent for Adam and Eve, and the man's conscience.
Assignment #4
Assignment #4: Book III and Sunday Morning
In my opinion, I felt as though the poem "Sunday Morning" by Wallace Stevens had more of a connection to Book III of Paradise Lost than "Evening Without Angels". Book III of Paradise Lost is where the reader first really learns about Heaven and God. We learn of this place that the Father has prepared for Man after death. Additionally, we learn that it if we are to have faith is His Son's sacrifice, we shall live eternally in paradise. In "Sunday Morning", the woman dreams and feels the horrors of Jesus's sacrifice. After her dream, the woman comes to realize that a devotion to Earth's pleasures will redeem her with the divine bliss of eternal life in Heaven. The poet teaches us that,=2 0"Death is the mother of beauty," because death gives our life a meaning. If we choose to follow God's way it shall lead us to a better life in Heaven after death, but as we learn in Book III, those who do not follow God's grace shall be condemned to Hell.
In my opinion, I felt as though the poem "Sunday Morning" by Wallace Stevens had more of a connection to Book III of Paradise Lost than "Evening Without Angels". Book III of Paradise Lost is where the reader first really learns about Heaven and God. We learn of this place that the Father has prepared for Man after death. Additionally, we learn that it if we are to have faith is His Son's sacrifice, we shall live eternally in paradise. In "Sunday Morning", the woman dreams and feels the horrors of Jesus's sacrifice. After her dream, the woman comes to realize that a devotion to Earth's pleasures will redeem her with the divine bliss of eternal life in Heaven. The poet teaches us that,=2 0"Death is the mother of beauty," because death gives our life a meaning. If we choose to follow God's way it shall lead us to a better life in Heaven after death, but as we learn in Book III, those who do not follow God's grace shall be condemned to Hell.
Assignment #3
Assignment #3- Book II and Embracing the Exile
When reading these two pieces of work, I felt as though I was able to understand each more easily than the previous pieces. Book II and Embracing the Exile each had a message to deliver because I believed to find them both as debatable topics. Additionally, I saw that in both works, those involved were trying to turn the curse of being in exile to their own personal benfit. Although I noticed in both pieces the character involved were trying to gain a trust in themselves, in Embracing the Exile they also were trying to achieve a trust in God and his creation. However, in Book II of Paradise lost the devils are trying to find a trust in each other to wage another war on God and do not wish to try and connect with God like those in Embracing the Exile. I hope in then future I can read more pieces like these where I am more capable of understanding the message each piece was trying to present.
When reading these two pieces of work, I felt as though I was able to understand each more easily than the previous pieces. Book II and Embracing the Exile each had a message to deliver because I believed to find them both as debatable topics. Additionally, I saw that in both works, those involved were trying to turn the curse of being in exile to their own personal benfit. Although I noticed in both pieces the character involved were trying to gain a trust in themselves, in Embracing the Exile they also were trying to achieve a trust in God and his creation. However, in Book II of Paradise lost the devils are trying to find a trust in each other to wage another war on God and do not wish to try and connect with God like those in Embracing the Exile. I hope in then future I can read more pieces like these where I am more capable of understanding the message each piece was trying to present.
Assignment #2
Assignment #2: Book I and The Snowman
In reading the rest of Paradise Lost Book I and The Snowman, I was able to
find a connection between the two. Each reading included descriptive details
that made it simple for me to paint a picture in my mind. When reading Book I of
Paradise Lost, I was able to envision Hell through the Hells of the Devil and
his followers. Then, in reading The Snowman I was able to feel the real, bitter
effects of winter through a snowman's perception. The desciptive details from
each piece, assisted in helping me become one with the scene. I have come to
realize that I enjoy a piece better when the author allows the reader to feel a
part of the story. Whether I feel one with the characters or one with the scene,
I find myself more interested and able to understand the story.
In reading the rest of Paradise Lost Book I and The Snowman, I was able to
find a connection between the two. Each reading included descriptive details
that made it simple for me to paint a picture in my mind. When reading Book I of
Paradise Lost, I was able to envision Hell through the Hells of the Devil and
his followers. Then, in reading The Snowman I was able to feel the real, bitter
effects of winter through a snowman's perception. The desciptive details from
each piece, assisted in helping me become one with the scene. I have come to
realize that I enjoy a piece better when the author allows the reader to feel a
part of the story. Whether I feel one with the characters or one with the scene,
I find myself more interested and able to understand the story.
Assignment #1
Assignment #1: Paradise Lost, Book I lines 1-26 and Tennyson: Ulysses
In reading both of these pieces, I sensed that each character had an
important task that he set out to do. Both characters were motivated and
determined to accomplish an idea they believed in. In Tennyson's Ulysses, a
mariner decides to give up his throne, in order to set sail again in search of
excitement. This mariner is driven by a desire for an exciting life, away from
the boring, unfulfilling life he currently lives. Then, in Paradise Lost Book I
lines 1-26, the speaker informs the reader that he wants to be filled with the
knowledge of the Holy Spirit. The reason the speaker wants to be inspired by the
Spirit is because he wants to present to man the idea that the fall of humankind
into sin was part of a greater plan of God. The speaker, like the mariner, is
driven as well by a force of motivation to prove to man that God's plan is
justifiable.
In reading both of these pieces, I sensed that each character had an
important task that he set out to do. Both characters were motivated and
determined to accomplish an idea they believed in. In Tennyson's Ulysses, a
mariner decides to give up his throne, in order to set sail again in search of
excitement. This mariner is driven by a desire for an exciting life, away from
the boring, unfulfilling life he currently lives. Then, in Paradise Lost Book I
lines 1-26, the speaker informs the reader that he wants to be filled with the
knowledge of the Holy Spirit. The reason the speaker wants to be inspired by the
Spirit is because he wants to present to man the idea that the fall of humankind
into sin was part of a greater plan of God. The speaker, like the mariner, is
driven as well by a force of motivation to prove to man that God's plan is
justifiable.
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